The fans of the Iraqi club Zakho won the FIFA Fan Award for 2025, as part of The Best awards for this year. Zakho's fans captured the world's attention with a remarkable humanitarian initiative that took place before their team's match against Al-Hudud club in the Iraqi Stars League, held on May 13th of this year. The fans threw thousands of stuffed toys onto the pitch, which had been collected before the match, to later be donated to sick children, as announced on the official website of the International Federation of Association Football (FIFA). In a statement from the club, it was said: "This perfect humanitarian scene, represented by throwing children's dolls onto the pitch, embodied noble values that garnered wide appreciation from the sporting community in Kurdistan, Iraq, and Asia." The statement added: "Our fans are the cornerstone of the team and continue to capture attention with their creative initiatives. We hope their support for us continues as we strive for further success." With this initiative, Zakho's fans surpassed other candidates for the award, which was launched in 2016 and aims to honor the exceptional expression of commitment and support from a fan or group of fans, regardless of the league, gender, or nationality. The award can also be given for an act or gesture that has made a clear impact in the world of football. The three candidates for the award were selected by a committee composed of FIFA legends and football experts. The winner was chosen through a public vote on the official FIFA website, where each voter selects their first, second, and third choices. Points are awarded to each candidate based on their ranking (five points for first place, three for second, and one for third). The FIFA Fan Award for The Best is given to the candidate with the highest point total. In case of a tie in points between two or more competitors, the award is given to the one who ranked first more times during the voting process.
